Mowing-machine.



No. 642,524. Patented Ian. 30, I900. M. KANE.

MOWING MACHINE.

(Application filed may 4, 1898.)

2 Sheets-Sheet (No Model.)

No. 642,524. Patented .Ian. 30, I900.

M. KANE.

MOWING MACHINE.

(Application filsd May 4. 1898.)

(No Mqdl.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

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THE npnms PETERS c0. PHOTO-LITMO. wAsnmarou, o. c.

PATENT FFICE.

MAURICE KANE, OF AUSTIN, ILLINOIS.

MOWlNG-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 642,524, dated January 30, 1900.

Application filed May 4, 1898- Serial No. 679,712. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MAURICE KANE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Austin, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Mowing-Machine, of which the followingis a specification.

Thisinvention relates to mowing-machines.

The object ofthe invention is to provide a means for maintaining alinement between the cutter-bar and its actuating-pitman.

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings and to the various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure 1 is a plan view of a mowing-machine embodying the principles of my invent-ion and illustrating the operation thereof. Fig. 2 is a detached detail view, partly in section, of the coupling-arm, showing one form of construction embodying the principles of my invention. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the same on the line 3 3, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 4 is a similar view on the line 4 4, looking inthe direction of the arrows. Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing a modified form of construction embodying the principles of my invention and wherein is employed an eccentric sleeve. Fig. 6 is a broken detail view in plan of a modified form of coupling-arm, showing the application of the principles of my invention. tional view of the same on the line 7 7, Fig. 6, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 8 is a detail view similar to Figs. 2 and5, showin g another modified arrangement embodying the principles of my invention. Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view on the line 9 9, Fig. 1, showing a modified arrangement wherein the frame end of the coupling-arm is adjustable and embodying the principles of the invention. Fig. 10 is a broken detail view, in side elevation, of the construction shown in Fig. 9.

In the efficient operation of mowing-machines it is desirable and important to maintain accurate alinement between the cutterbar and its operating-pitman. In use,through the wear of joints and parts which support Fig. 7 is a detail secthe inner end of the finger-bar and the backward pressure exerted upon the finger-bar as the machine advances over the ground and encounters the grain to be cut or other ob-. struction, a tendency is quickly developed in the finger-bar to sag backward, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, and it is evident that only slight wear of joints at the inner end of the finger-bar will result in a magnified degree of backward sagging at the outer end of such bar. This backward sagging of the finger-bar is exceedingly objectionable and undesirable, for the reason that thereby the path of reciprocation of the cutter-bar becomes deflected or changed out of accurate alinement with the pitman, through which reciprocations are imparted to the cutter-bar, and as a rapid reciprocation is imparted to the cutterbar while the machine is in use such deflection of the path of reciprocation of the cutter from true and accurate alinement with the line of movement of the pitman through which the cutter-bar is reciprocated and which is not affected by the rearward pressure upon the finger-bar or by wear in the parts which support the finger-bar develops friction and rapid wear and looseness of the cutter-bar, thus not only causing the machine to run heavy, but rapidly wearing out the parts. Various expedients have been resorted to with a view to overcoming this difficulty; but so far as I am aware the difficulty has not heretofore been wholly overcome. For instance,.it has been endeavored to overcome the objections noted by providing a construction wherein the coupling-arm has been shortened, thereby moving forward the yoke which supports the inner end of the finger-bar. This, however, does not correct the difficulty, for the reason that in such case the bend in the line of movement of the cutter-bar with reference to the line of reciprocation of the operating-pitman, which latter remains fixed, is not thereby removed. In other words, in such case the yoke which supports the inner end of the finger-bar is advanced, but the finger-bar itself is thereby merely moved parallel to itself, and therefore the alinement be tween the pitman and the finger-bar is not restored. Noting the defects in the prior efforts to remove the difficulties mentioned and appreciating the practical importance of avoidingsuch difiiculties,I have conceived the idea of a construction wherein the yoke which carries the cutter-baris mounted with its axis at an angle to the axis of the coupling-arm and wherein by adjusting the relative position of one of these parts the angle of the finger-bar, and hence the path of reciprocation of the cutter, is changed relative to the longitudinal axis of the coupling-arm, and thus removing any deflection from proper alinement between the cutter and its operating pitman. This idea may be carried out in many specifically different ways, and in the accompanying drawings I have shown various practicalconstructionsembodyingthegeneric principles of the invention.

Referring to the drawings by referencesign, A designates the frame of the mowing-machine, which may be of anysuitablcconstruction or type.

B is the finger-bar, C the coupling-arm, and D the yoke.

In the usual construction of mowing-machines of the type shown in the drawings the coupling-arm is loosely hooked or pivoted at its inner end, as at E, to the machine-frame, and the outer end F of said arm is bent out of axial alinement with thearm. Upon this bent end F is suitably journaled the yoke D, and the inner end of the finger-bar is suitably pivoted upon yoke D. A drag-bar G may be employed to connect the yoke to the tongue II of the machine. A fly-wheel J,suit ably actuated in the usual or any suitable or well-known manner,is provided with a crank or wristpin K, to which is connected one end of pitman L, the other end of such pitman being connected to the cutter-bar and the latter mounted to reciprocate in a suitable guide in the finger-bar.

The parts so far described may be of the usual or any well-known construction and arrangement, except as to the coupling-arm U, as will presently be pointed out.

It will be seen that pitman L reciprocates in a fixed line, and hence it is desirable and important in order to secure and maintain alinement between said pitman and the cutter-bar that any tendency of the finger-bar in which the cutter-bar reciprocates to sag backwardly, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, be overcome in such manner as to move.

the outer end of the finger-bar forwardly without material relative movement of the inner end of said bar with respect to the line in which pitman L reciprocates. In Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 is shown one form of arrangement whereby this result is secured, wherein I form the coupling-arm G in two parts, the frame end part M being provided with the hook 10 to be received in the eyebolt E or other securing device in the usual manner. The inner end of the main part (1 of the coupling-arm is provided with a threaded longitudinal and axial extension 1 1,arranged to be screwed into a threaded socket in the tail or end piece M. This construction permits of endwise adjustment of the length of the coupling-arm in or der to properly center the cutters 12 with reference to the fingers 13that is, in order to properly adjust the throw of pitman L, so that the cutters will operate in proper relation to the fingers.

By reason of the angular relation of the end F of the coupling-arm to the part 0 thereof it will be readily seen that axial rotation of the part 0 of the coupling-arm will cause the angular end F thereof to change the direction of its line of inclination with reference to the axis of the part 0 of the coupling-arm, and hence also will cause the finger-bar, and with it the cutter-bar, to correspondingly change their line of inclination with reference to the axis of the coupling-arm, since the yoke D, which supports the inner end of the finger-bar, is supported or journaled upon the angular end F. Thus it will be seen that by merely rotarily adjusting the coupling-arm O axially i any sagging or bending of the finger B, and hence of the cutter-bar, out of alinement with the line of reciprocation of pitman L may be readily corrected. I have shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 a simple and efficient arrangement for securing such axial adjustment, while maintaining when the adjustment is made rigidity between the parts 0 and Mot the coupling-arm. In this form of embodiment of the principle of my invention I provide the piece M with a flange 11 on the outer end thereof, with which contacts and cooperates a corresponding flange 15, suitably secured to the part C of the coupling-arm. In the particular form shown, to which, however, the invention is not limited, flange 15 forms part of a sleeved casting 16, adapted to be mounted on the adjacent end of the part0 of the coupling-arm. A convenient mannerof mounting this sleeve upon the part 0 of the coupling-arm is shown, wherein such part 0 is flattened at the end thereof, as shown at 17, and the sleeve 16 is driven tightly on such flattened end. A bolt 18 is arranged to pass through suitable perforations in said cooperating flanges 14: 15,

whereby said flanges may be secured together in adjusted position, one of said flanges, as flange 15, being provided with a curved slot, as at 19, to permit of the relative rotary adjustment of the flanges 1 1 15. If desired and in order to more securely hold and maintain rigid connection between the two parts 0 and M of the coupling-arm after the desired adjustment has been secured, one of the flanges, as 15, may be provided with serrations or teeth, as indicated at 20, adapted to receive a nib or lug 2l,formed on the other flange. By this construction, when the desired adjustment has been attained, the two parts of the coupling-arm are firmly and efficient-lylockedagainstrelativemovement. In order to effect an adjustment in case sagging of the finger-bar is observed, the bolt 18 is loosened and the sleeve 16 is driven or moved endwise upon part 0 of the coupling-arm until the nib or lug 21 clears the teeth or serra- IIO tions 20, and then the part of the couplingarm is axially rotated the required amount to compensate for the sagging of the fingerbar, thus restoring the alinement between the pitman L and the cutter-bar. When the desired adjustment is secured, the bolt 18 is again clamped up, thus firmly clamping the two parts 0 and M of the coupling-arm together.

Of course it will be readily understood that the adjustment secured by the axial rotation of the coupling-arm is wholly independent of the longitudinal adjustment of the couplingarm for properly centering the cutters 12 with respect to the fingers 13, and therefore, so far as the present invention is concerned, it is immaterial whether or not provision is made for longitudinal adjustment of arm 0. While I have shown such longitudinal adjustment, therefore, I desire it to be understood that the invention is not limited or restricted thereto.

In the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 5, embodying the same generic principle as above explained, instead of securing the desired adjustment to correct a backward sagging of the finger-bar by axially rotating the coupling-arm the same result is secured through the medium of an eccentric sleeve 22. In the construction above described the yoke D is shown mounted or journaled directly upon the angular end F of the coupling-arm.

In the modified construction shown in Fig. I mount or journal the yoke D uponsleeve 22, which latter is journaled upon the angular extension F of the coupling-arm. The bore of this sleeve which receives the end F of the coupling-arm is slightly angular or inclined relative to the geometric axis of the said sleeve, as clearly shown. Therefore by rocking or rotarily adjusting this sleeve upon the extension or end F of the coupling-arm it will be readily seen that the yoke D, and hence the finger-bar and cutter, is adjusted with respect to the axial line of the couplingarm 0, and hence also with respect to the line of reciprocation of pitman L. Thus any disarrangement of the alinement of the pitman and the cutter-bar due to the sagging of the finger-bar may be corrected readily and easily by rotarily adjusting sleeve 22. In order to secure the sleeve 22 and the yoke D together after the desired adjustment has been made,

said parts are flanged, as at 23 24, and a bolt.

25 passes therethrough, one of said flanges bein g provided with an elongated slot similar to slot 19 and for a similar purpose, as will be apparent.

In some types of mowing-machinesa thrustbar or brace N is employed which is secured to the coupling-arm at one end and to the framework of the machine at the other. In Fig. 8 I have shown an application of the principles of my invention to a mowing-machine of this type. In this form of the invention the required adjustment is secured by axially rotating the coupling-arm O, as described with reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4. In this case, however, the coupling-arm is secured in its axially-adjusted position by means of a sleeve 26, mounted rigidly on to rock with the coupling-arm and provided with a flange 27, which cooperates with a flange 28, formed on the sleeve 29, which is secured to or forms part of the brace or thrust bar N and through which the coupling-arm loosely passes. A bolt serves to clamp said flanges together when the desired adjustment has been socured, one of said flanges being provided with an elongated slot similar to slot 19, as above explained, to permit of the desired relative adjustment.

In that type of mowing-machine wherein the thrust or brace bar N is rigidly secured to the coupling-arm or forms a part thereof, as shown at N, Fig. 6, and wherein the yoke D is mounted on the angular part F of the coupling-arm O in the same manner as above described the desired adjustment of the fingerbar to maintain alinement of the same with the path of reciprocation of the pitman in accordance with the principles of my invention may be secured by vertically adjusting the frame end connection of the thrust or brace bar. In Figs. 6 and 71 have shown a construction embodying my invention as applied to a mowing-machine of this type. In this construction the frame end of the brace or thrust bar or extension N is received in an eyebolt 31, suitably mounted in an arm 32 of the machine-frame and vertically adjustable therein in any suitable manner, as by means of the set-nuts 33 34:.

In Figs. 9 and 10 I have shown an arrangement embodying the principles of my invention, wherein the desired adjustment of the line of movement of the cutter-bar B relative to the line of action of its operating-pitman L is secured by the adjustment of the connection of the coupling-arm tail M in case of a divided coupling-arm, as shown in Fig. 8, for instance, or end 10 in case of a solid coupling-arm, as in Fig. 5, upon the machineframe. It is evident that by adjusting the tail or end connection of said coupling-arm upon the machine-frame--that is, by moving or adjusting the eyebolt or other connection E in a fore-and-aft directionthe arm 0 will be rocked or swung about a fulcrum formed by the frame connection or support of the other end of the coupling armas, for instance, the point of connection of the drawbar G with yoke D (see Fig. 1) or the bracket N, (see Fig. 8,) in the latter case it being understood that a sufficient play in the bearings in bracket N is provided to permit of slight lateral rocking of the coupling-arm in such bearing.

In Figs. 9 and 10 I have shown the end 35 of the coupling-arm arranged to pass through a suitable opening or perforation in a block 36, which is mounted to slide in suitable guides, as at 37, in the frame A of the machine, and a set-screw 38, tapped through 2. lug 39, serves to effect the required adjust- IIS ment of block 36. Of course in this case, as well as in the construction shown in Fig. 7, the opening through which the end of the coupling-arm passes is sufficiently large to permit of the slight movement of such end therein during the adjustment.

Many other variations and changes embodyin g the principles of theinven tion would readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. I do not desire, therefore, to be limited or restricted to the exact construction shown and described. It is also evident that the principles of my invention may be applied to different types and constructions of mowing-machines from that specifically illustrated in the drawings; but,

Having now set forth the object and nature of my invention and various embodiments of the principles thereof and having explained the construction, function, and mode of operation of such embodiments, what I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. In a mowing-machine, a main frame, a coupling-arm connected thereto, the end of said arm being deflected or bent into angular relation with respect to the axial line of said arm, a cutter-bar supported upon said angularly-bent end, a pitman for reciprocating said cutter bar, and means for rotarily adjusting said arm axially, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a mowing-machine, a main frame, a coupling-arm made in sections, one of said sections connected to the framework, a cutter-bar supported upon the other of said sections but out of axial alinement therewith, and means for rotarily adjusting said section relative to the first-mentioned section, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In a mowing-machine, a main frame, a coupling-arm having an end piece connected to said framework, a flange formed on said end piece, a cutter-bar supported upon said coupling-arm but out of axial alinement therewith, and a flange carried by said couplingarm, and means for connecting said flanges, whereby said coupling-arm may be rotarily adjusted, as and for the purpose set forth.

4. In a mowing-machine, a main frame, a coupling-arm having an end piece connected to said frame, a flange carried by said end piece, a collar mounted on said coupling-arm and provided with a cooperating flange. a bolt for connecting said flan ges,whereby said coupling-arm may be rotarily adjusted relative to said end piece, and a cutter-bar supported upon said coupling-arm out of axial alinement therewith, as and for the purpose set forth.

5. In a mowing-machine, a main frame, a

coupling-arm having an end piece connected to said frame, a flange carried by said end piece, a collar mounted on the adjacent end of said coupling-arm for endwise movement thereon, said collar provided with a cooperating flange, one of said flanges provided with teeth or serrations and the other with an engaging lug, a bolt for coupling said flanges, one of said flanges being provided with an elongated slot through which said bolt passes, whereby said coupling-arm may be rotarily adjusted axially, and a cutter-bar supported upon said coupling-arm but out of axial alinement therewith, as and for the purpose set forth.

' 6. In a mowing-machine, a coupling-arm, a cutter-bar supported upon said arm in eccentric relation to the axis thereof, a pitman for actuating said cutter-bar, and means for adjustin g the position of the coupling-arm whereby through such eccentric relation alinement between the pitman and the cutter-bar is restored, as and for the purpose set forth.

7. In a mowing-machine, a cutter-bar, a coupling-arm upon which said bar is mounted, the line of movement of said cutter-bar being normally inclined relative to the axial line of said arm, a pitman for reciprocating said cutter-bar, and means for axially adjusting said coupling-arm, whereby the backward sag of the outer end of the cutter-bar is compensated for, as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 2d day of May, 1898, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

MAURICE KANE.

Witnesses:

FRANK T. BROWN, S. E. DARBY. 

